Members of the Cedar Crest retirement community singing during an interfaith service to honor and mourn the victims of the Connecticut school massacre.

WOODCLIFF LAKE — Since the tragic school murders in Newtown, Conn., on Friday, the holiday season has taken on a somber tone for many. To show support for that community, Woodcliff Lake will not be lighting its holiday display tonight, and officials are encouraging residents to do likewise.

"How can we commemorate the lives of all these people and recognize what was done to this community?" said Mayor Jeff Goldsmith. "I heard that some other municipality was going to keep their holiday lights off, and my attitude was, 'I'm in.' "

Goldsmith said he has sent a letter to all of the mayors in the Pascack Valley asking them to follow suit.

He said the Borough Council was unanimous in deciding to turn off the displays for one night, and that it passed a resolution to make their tribute to Newtown official.

In accordance with Governor Christie's request, all the local religious buildings will sound their bells at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, precisely a week after the massacre. "Like with the holiday displays, it's the right thing to do, and it's a sign of love and affection," Goldsmith said.

Pequannock

Senior citizens from the Cedar Crest retirement community paused Tuesday to reflect on the lives lost and upended in the Connecticut school shooting, sending prayers from their chapel to mourners in Newtown, Conn., more than 80 miles away.

Resident Doris Woolf said she was taught by her mother to look after others, and she recalled growing up in a tightknit Brooklyn community that, for the most part, didn't lock their doors because of the sense of security they felt.

"Things have changed a great deal, because you don't know how many people are sick," Woolf said.

About 40 people attended the non-denominational service that was organized by staff to give residents an opportunity to pray for those most directly affected and to remind them that faith is reassuring.

The service was led by the pastoral ministries manager, Burt Moore, who asked God to help the grieving parents: "Wrap them in your loving arms and comfort them in ways they cannot express."

Hackensack

The city will suspend the use of holiday lights tonight in a show of support for the community of Newtown. The city manager and council have asked that city residents also darken their holiday displays.

Norwood

A candlelight vigil will be held this evening to honor the memory of the Newtown victims. The vigil will start at 7 p.m. on Kennedy Field on Broadway.